usb wiring for nmea

[1611]

I am trying to patch into my existing nmea output to provide gps to my laptop. I have identified the nmea+ and nmea - from my gps but do not know which of the different wires inside the cable terminating in a usb male to connect to. Is it just the two or do I need to connect others. Help appreciated.

 

[hightech]

USB will not read the data direct, you need an USB to RS232 converter. Then pin 2 for the NMEA+ and pin 5 for the NMEA-.

 

[chasroberts]

Agreed. Mine cost about £30 but I'm sure you can get it for less than that if you shop around. After that it's just a question of soldering the GPS leads to the correct pins.

 

[pau1gray]

There are two things to look at here.
NMEA is basically the language that is spoken i.e. what's contained in the sentences.

USB / RS232 is the way that NMEA is spoken and the two use not only different physical hardware (i.e. the connectors are different) but also a different method to communicate.
So as previously mentioned - you will need a USB to RS232 converter

 

[Frankklose]

Buy a usb to seriell converter on Ebay in Hong Kong. The converter is abot €1 and shipping € 6. Was a pretty good deal and its working well.

 

[alan]

You should use a proper converter (Serial to USB). It's not just a question of pins, there is also the difference in volts used for the signal. USB use 5 volts and most NMEA (RS232) use anything from 5 to 12 volts and most likely 12 volts. Most PCs are optically isolated and it it may be OK but ................ best not to risk damaging your PC and use a converter.
www.jgtech.co.uk have them on their web site or search e-bay as previously recommended.

Alan.